Treatment anywhere’: A new era dawns for Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme  

The government’s universal healthcare scheme will make a groundbreaking leap next year, when Thais will be allowed to receive free medical treatment anywhere in their home province, including private hospitals, simply by presenting their national ID card.

“We are revolutionizing the country’s public healthcare. The paradigm will change for the first time in 20 years,” said Dr Surapong Suebwonglee, secretary to the National Healthcare Service Plan Development Committee.

In the initial phase, individuals covered by the healthcare scheme in four pilot provinces, namely Roi Et, Phetchaburi, Phrae and Narathiwat, will be able to enjoy this privilege from January 8. No prior registration is required; members can visit any medical facility and gain treatment by showing their national ID.

“I am fully confident this move will benefit the public,” Roi Et’s public health chief Dr…